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World Concern staff members in Kuajok, South Sudan, were victims of an armed robbery on Thursday, October 10, 2013. The incident took place at around 8:30 p.m. as seven armed men scaled the wall of the World Concern compound and entered the office where staff and several visitors were working.
Eleven victims were held at gunpoint while computers, cell phones, cash, and keys to a vehicle were stolen. The victims of the attack included two national staff, six expat staff (Kenyan and American), and three visitors who were there to conduct a literacy training. Some staff were assaulted during the robbery, but no one was seriously injured.
“We are extremely thankful to know that all World Concern staff members and guests are safe,” said World Concern President Jacinta Tegman. “This incident is a reminder that World Concern has chosen to work in places where there is great need, and many of these areas have risks. It is also a reminder that humanitarian aid work is becoming increasingly dangerous. Please continue to keep aid workers around the world in prayer.”
World Concern has worked in Sudan since 2004, and currently operates development programs in South Sudan, including food security, economic development, vocational training, and agriculture.